It is no longer news that Iruland on Victoria Island has a new king in the person of HRH Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, the former Commissioner for Agriculture in Lagos State. He was installed on Sunday, 7th of June, 2020, as the 15th Oniru of Iruland amid pomp and pageantry.
While many were not surprised that the cool, calm and highly mature Oba Abdulwasiu Lawal was chosen as the king but many couldn’t wait to see what his pretty wife of over 30 years looks like. The questions that came to most Lagosians minds were: is she pretty? Is she fashionable? Who are her friends? What does she do? What is her love story like among many others?
Well, the curiosity came to an end on the Sunny Sunday of the coronation, as the latest Oloori, Queen Maryam Olurotimi Abeni, wasn’t found wanting on her husband’s day of joy.
She dazzled many as she drove through the crowded road at Onirus palace, a few minutes past 10:00 am. She rode one of the latest tinted black Toyota Jeep with plate number “ONIRU”. Few of the guests who were still waiting for clearance to go into the centre of coronation owing to COVID-19, couldn’t help but start at the car in admiration.
They couldn’t see who was inside the car but Oloori who is said to be a philanthropist wound down the side screen of her car to appreciate the traditional drummers with crispy naira notes.
She was quickly ushered into the hall after alerting from the car and she calmly walked into the hall. She was fully dressed in a white silver luxury lace from “Nickycoverings” and matched it with a well-tied headgear to fit her ebony complexion face beat, done by Nigerian number 1 makeup artist, “BMPRO”. What about her shoes and purse? Her silver purse was one of the limited edition of “YSL”, while her coral royal beads have a diamond stopper, while her wedge shoes made her walk like a Queen that she is.
As she was walking, many admired the fully-stoned back view of her wedge. Walking with grace, she smiled to greet many top dignitaries before taking her seat beside her husband, but she had to pay homage to her husband, Oba Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal.
Perhaps, you don’t know that Oba Abdulwasiu doesn’t joke with his wife. They have been married for over 20 years and still counting. Their marriage is blessed with a boy and a girl. They are not just a couple, they are also friends. Those who know them revealed that their friendship started way back in the Police College, where they were both trained for policing before they took it further to marriage. While they have various pet names they have for each other, Kabiyesi it was evident loves his wife to bone and he doesn’t joke with her. He is a complete family man and a philanthropist. Those who know Kabiyesi and his wife said they didn’t only complement each other in look but also in behaviour. You can’t enter the Lawals house crying and leave the same way. You will smile out. Said our source.
Oba Abdul Wasiu’s love for his wife became obvious when his former colleagues in the Police Force, who are all Assistant Commissioner of Police came to take a picture with Kabiyesi. Kabiyesi was heard calling “where is Maryam”, she is our set too”. Yes, this is confirmation that Oloori Maryam Lawal was once a Police Officer before she resigned to go into private business. Many of the ACS were her coursemate and they knew her right from their Police College days.
What does Oloori Maryam do? She plays big in Oil & Gas. She has filling stations in Lagos, which she has been managing for years. She is said to be a good businesswoman whose business acumen is admired by many.
Socially, she is very warm, but her crowd is small. She has friends with whom she has been able to keep for many years. Her best friend is Mrs Eniola Adeniyi Titilope. They are inseparable pairs on Lagos social scene. One of her close friends is Hajia Yetunde Balogun of Yetties Cake. She is the most creative Lagos Cake Baker and one of the most sought after celebrity Cake Makers. She has been her friend for over 3 decades. This was one of the reasons she came in early for the coronation. They drove to the venue together.
Another close society woman with her on the coronation day is Princess Toyin Kolade. Their children schooled together in faraway Canada. So, also is Hajia Omobolanle Rafiat. She is the brain behind Mobbies gold and she is a younger sister of Oloori Lawal.
What about Hajia Kuburat Shita Bey? She is very close to the Lawal.
So also is Hajia Tanwa Balogun, the brain behind new Gbagi in London. They have been friends for over 7 years and still counting. When Tanwa turned 40, Oba Lawal flew to London to honour the Baloguns.
Just as we told you she keeps her old friends. It is obvious that ebony pretty Oloori Maryam Lawal is one Oloori to watch out for on Lagos social circle.
– Abiola Orisile
